unofficial Diablo predictions

I have a friend of mine who emails me ads of early Diablos for sale(usually 91-93) and will then ask me what I think. Not having the proper answer and never being able to find some of the posts here that have discussed, which models are likely to appreciate, which are more desireable for what ever the reason, why the earlier 91-93 is not the desired version, ect....

Can the more knowledgeable please give a brief run down that would help summarize the Diablo.
I'm not looking to pick apart any cars and hurt values, just point him here and let him read for himself first hand.
He is looking for a car he can enjoy and not only an investment, as I think most of us do, but also doesn't want to loose his shirt either, as all of us don't.

He is an active and happy Vette guy, but has always talked about the Diablo and I figured the best advice is found here.

Thankyou

 

No way to loose your shirt on any models. They are still beat down from recession levels. Although I don't see them appreciating much either. Especially the 91-93 MY.

 

diablos cannot go down anymore
they will hold value and then up in few years
the rarer, the higher probably (i see jotas and GT to be the most sought after as always)


the 91-93 are more common and not so much loved...but again they are simple, fast and beautiful

 

I hope they don't keep going up but keep dropping down to my price range. I want an early model even if its a Non VT.

 

I think the 6.0 will always be the highest regarded Diablo. The SE will be much sought after but low production numbers wont make that as visible to "the market". The Jota is not for everyone so the broad appeal and obviousl low numbers will do the same with that to an even higher degree.

The early Diablo and VT will probably be a toss up as far as "which is more desired". Some will want the VT for it's all wheel drive and lower dash. Some will want the 91-93 for it's more raw "closer to a Countach" feel, 2WD and corresponding faster 0-60 times. It will probably be a toss up between these two, many years from now.

That's my analysis.

I think the market has hit it's bottom on all models. The cars are starting to feel "retro" like the Countach started to 10 years ago. With each new Lambo model, the Diablo feels older, more simple and more raw. As that happens, the "vintage" feels starts to take hold and term "classic" starts to be used to describe it. It's starting to feel that way. It's a distinct difference between a car feeling "old" and a car feeling like a "classic". In another generation, the Murci will move from old to classic. But for now it's the Diablos turn.

 

the diablo is the last...imo

last of handbuilt lamborghinis
the way the body panels were built is VERY different
diablo is handmade, murcielago is more of a industrial product

 

I remember seriously considering Ralph's perfect se. looking back the price was a right even then. like all Ralph's cars...it had low miles and was mint!!! we were discussing $140-150 range....lol, that would have been a great buy!!!!!!

just another that got away from me

 

I think you are correct on the diablo but I am not sure the murcie will ever be loved to the same degree by any well initiated lambo purist.

 

Soon those "purists" will be too old to care or purchase (or breathe for that matter) and the next generation of "purists" form who were kids when the Murci came out and it was their own fantasy come true.

 

Great, thanks to all of you!

Could you give a brief description as to the model differences/changes. (ie. SE, VT, Jota, ect...)
I'm not 100% sure myself, but for anyone else reading this in the future, this will give better understanding as to how the models are different.

 

I have owned 3 early 2WD models, and they are much more simple and fantastic to drive. Of course they have some disadvantages like the higher dashpod, but being the first cars out, I think they will be great investments in the future. One thing not to overlook is the maintenance. Make sure you buy a well sorted car, and not a neglected one like the ones selling for under $90K. I made the mistake of buying a "no service history" Diablo and my first engine out will be close to $40K including clutch.

 

Peter,

Don't feel bad. We (both) have stories about deals. I have also had drivers !! Let me start: A Porsche 904/906, that was put in the wrong auction at no reserve . Around mid 2005, it was sold for approximately 150K.



LP 400 sold for 90K during 2006.

Islero sold for 39K mid 2005.

A 90K running Daytona.

75K for a (nice) 250 PF Coupe. 2005 ouch.


All of these were decent or better original cars.


o/t Years ago, I offered to trade the SE 30 straight up for Peter's LP400S -

____________


The 91-93 cars have poor brakes. Aftermarket brakes are available. If I wanted a Diablo, I would look at the 91-93 cars. I prefer manual steering.

 

You might have missed the boat. The bottom has already happened imo.

 

I do not see the Diablo appreciating anytime soon. Most of the guys I know that had Diablos sold them for the Murcie. The Diablo does not have the same status as the Countach and the allure of technology and added reliability of Audi makes the Gallardo and Murcie more appealing to a good chunk of buyers. The 1991-95 non SE models are basically selling in the 90's all the way down to mid 70's, I am not talking about asking prices but how much they are actually selling for. The 1995-97.5 VT Roadsters are 105-125k all day.

My buddy has been putting 2000 miles a week on this 95VT for the last 2 months.....got it for 70k and the price of a new clutch. Do most the maintenance yourself (is not hard to work on). and it is fantastic value. Also for fun, remove those P Zeros and throw on some Michelin Super Sports. The car grips so well now, the 2nd gear to 3rd gear shift feels absolutely violent!
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2000 miles on it a week?

What's he doing living in it? lol

 

He drives it to work everyday, and basically all day on the weekends. If something breaks you fix it and move along.

 

+1. That's how the Diablo likes it. The car is super durable.

 

Here is where your theory blows up in the next 5 years. The Audi era will be the equivalent of the Fiat era, or the post-1998 Porsche era.......the "corporate" era.

The Diablo will be the last pure Lamborghini.

And collectors are starting to catch on. I was out-gunned recently on a '99 roadster by a Japanese collector that paid full list ($160k), no inspection, few questions.

And I think the '99 roadster will keep pace or may pull ahead of the standard 6.0 cars, as the adage "when the top goes down, the price goes up" kicks in. Plus, they are much rarer on a % basis..

Of course, I'm stupid because I'm also looking at manual transmission Murci roadsters. I seldom do the right thing (bought a 996TT instead of a same priced 993TT).

 

Too funny - most folks I know did the opposite.

-mick

 

This discussion comes up every now and then..

I agree that the Diablo is the last pure Lamborghini, handmade and a Bizzarrini V12.
Furthermore I prefer the early cars, both for the aesthetics and pure design, with as much Gandhi influences as possible on any Diablo, and the 2wd cars even more for the very fast, brutal and raw drive.

Sure the dash on the early cars is a bit unpractical for smaller guys, but it is also a very characteristic feature that people recognize and know.

As the years went on a lot of the elegant Diablo design elements was ruined, ie. the SV engine lid with scoops, front redesign with open headlights, big stickers, chrome/polished wheels. The GT is an awesome car!, but exactly pretty.


Arguments that the later cars drive better and have better comfort features are irrelevant to me; if that is what you want get a Murci, Aventador or maybe not a Lambo at all...

The Diablo is in a grey zone right now. Some consider the early cars a classic lambo, where the SV and 6.0 are more an Murci alternative for the guys that wants a supercar at a relativly low price. I know the 6.0 fetch big $.


I predict the SE30 as the future collector Diablo. Based on its influence and exposure back in the day, low productions number and pure design

 

PRODUCTION NUMBERS ACCORDING TO "LA MANOVELLA" CAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2013

Diablo 873
VT 529
SE 157 (INCLUDING JOTA)
ROADSTER 468
SV 346
SVR 34
GT 83
GTR 32
6.0 337
6.0 SE 44

TOTAL 2,903

 

99 SV is a winner - more modern interior and switchgear, limited production, RWD.

I've never asked but am curious, how is the AC on earlier Diablos? I'm really surprised by how effective it is on the 99.

 

I'm also a fan of the early Diablo and its dash pod.

 

I would guess the 6.0 / GT, will remain the pick of the litter. I believe the SE 30, is more of a minor cosmetic effort, to produce a hard-core street car. At least with the American version. I heard the U.S. car (SE 30) has the standard Diablo motor.

I also like the dash and manual steering.

 

The 6.0 is the only Lambo that does it for me.